House lauds SONA’s focus on fight against drugs, corruption and environmental degradation

House members today lauded the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte for focusing on giving a better life for Filipinos through prosperity, law and order, and peace.

Rep. Lorna Silverio (3rd District, Bulacan) said the President's second SONA would inspire the Filipino people who still dream and long for a better life.

Silverio said President Duterte's first year in office has been very productive, citing the President's steadfast battle against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption in government.

The President's first year in power has been very fruitful as he has been consistently getting support from the majority of Filipinos, said Silverio, a vice chairperson of the House foreign affairs committee.

She further said that issues concerning the environment, foreign relations, infrastructure, economy, education, and agriculture have also been addressed in the SONA.

I feel optimistic that the President's leadership style and strong political will further bring progress to our country. We just need to join hands together to support his good intention for our country, said Silverio.

Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo (2nd District, Lanao del Norte) commended the President's insightful discussions on the environment, especially on the ill effects of mining in the communities where they operate; the extent of the drug menace; and the Chief Executive's steadfast support for the police and the military who risk their lives for the country.

Dimaporo said he feels the President's genuine concern for the welfare of the nation.

I felt President Duterte's sincerity for the well-being of the people, said Dimaporo.

Rep. Joel Mayo Almario (2nd District, Davao Oriental) said President Duterte spoke from the heart, especially in addressing issues of corruption and the environment.

Almario lauded the President for his unwavering stand against corruption in his administration, citing the firing of several high-ranking government officials; calling the attention to the Supreme Court's practice of issuing temporary restraining orders (TROs); and pointing out to the Commission on Audit (COA) that the lowest bid could be a source of corruption.

He also praised the President for his stern warming to the mining companies to help protect the environment while undertaking their mining activities.

Almario, a member of the Commission on Appointments, urged the President to provide timetables on the shift to federalism and the postponement of the 2017 barangay elections.

"We wanted to hear his marching orders and timetable regarding Charter change in the direction of federalism and on the postponement of the barangay elections, Almario said.